Melody Chambers believes the fine arts are alive and well in Douglas County Schools.

Chambers, the visual arts resource teacher for the school system and a Chapel Hill Middle School art educator, said while many school systems are being forced to reduce or eliminate art and music from budgets, Douglas has been supportive of keeping the fine arts intact.

“We are proud and grateful that we have an art teacher in every school,” said Chambers, “and in some we have two.”

What makes art so important in education?

“Art ties together every other subject,” she explained. “I think it is one of the most important aspects of education. It causes kids to think on their own and that creativity builds problem-solving skills.”

“Middle School Mania” is the theme for the February art exhibit in the Courthouse Gallery, located on the third floor of the Douglas County Courthouse.

“Middle school kids are at that age where they are zany,” said Chambers, referring to the word “mania” describing the exhibition.

Every middle school in the county is invited to participate. Teachers select about seven to eight pieces per middle school, representing a wide variety of media, she said.

“All three grade levels are included and it is a great opportunity to showcase our programs.”

An opening reception is set for Feb. 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., open to the public to view approximately 50 pieces of art from middle school students from the Douglas County School System.

The exhibit will run through Feb. 27.

“It really is a beautiful show,” said Chambers, “and it is nice to share with all of the other art teachers in attendance.”

Student artwork will also be featured on the state level at a February kickoff at the Twin Towers building in downtown Atlanta in preparation for March’s Youth Art Month.

According to Chambers, Georgia Art Education Association members can bring two pieces of student art from their respective schools.

Student art from Chapel Hill Middle School, Lithia Springs High School and Douglas County High School will be featured.

“This is our way as art educators to keep art in the forefront with our legislators,” she added. “We’re excited for Douglas County to be represented there.”

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